Is The Selfish Panda Want Setting Our Zoo Up To Fail?

As my title for this post states (and not for the first time), in my opinion, the Want for bringing Pandas to Our Zoo at this time, is Selfish.  I've obviously been closely following all things Panda since former Mayor London Breed announced that she had secured Pandas for Our San Francisco Zoo. 

That date was April 19, 2024, coincidentally, exactly two years from the day that SF Mayor Daniel Lurie, reportedly left for his trip to China last Sunday.

I wasn't going to post again until I put together that long-awaited (lol!) Part Two post, that nobody even remembers what is was about.  It's the one with my Animal related thoughts about what Our Zoo should be doing not only for the betterment of Our Zoo, but for it's thriving into the future.   I started this post last Monday, but only now getting back to it, a week later.  That morning, I was up too early, and about to work on that Pt Two post before going out, when I changed course.  I caught up on a couple recent articles about the Mayor's trip to China this (past) week, so skipped over that post, thinking I'd be timely, but dude's back already.  I had already planned to put this Panda nonsense out there again at some point soon-ish, so I'm continuing on with it now.  I think about it often, as I strongly believe for so many reasons, that bringing Pandas to Our Zoo at this time will not only cause further damage to Our Zoo, but possibly be the downfall of Our Zoo.

After Lurie's trip to China was announced, ABC7 News asked him about Pandas. His initial statement was, "We are in dialogue about it. We are making sure our zoo is ready to host those pandas.  So we'll have more conversations about that."

Last Sunday, ABC7 News again reported on the Mayor's trip to China.

> In San Francisco's Chinatown, there's a lot of love for pandas.  (Asia Star Fantasy) business owner Nancy Yu Law is holding out hope.  "I really look forward to panda coming," said Yu Law.

For now, Lurie's trip to China will not focus on panda diplomacy... As for pandas coming to San Francisco?

"The city and the zoo, from what I understand, are still working on it. From the airport's perspective, we think that would be a really big boon. We've always understood that whenever China sends pandas to a jurisdiction, it's like a bat signal to Chinese tourists that hey, 'that place is a good place to go. It's a place we trust.' And, if that brings more visitors from China that's to our benefit," said Malcolm Yeung (Chief Executive Officer of Chinatown Community Development Center and is President of the San Francisco Airport Commission).  "We know at the airport, pre pandemic Chinese passengers had by far the largest per passenger spend. So there's a large benefit within the airport economy. But there's also a benefit within the San Francisco economy." <

So yea, Selfish.  

In addition to continually hearing Zoo CEO Cassandra Costello talking about Pandas, by proxy of the Zoological Society Board, SF Supervisor Myrna Melgar is repeatedly vocal about her support for bringing Pandas to Our Zoo.

It disturbs me that with everything that has gone on in the last two years, culminating with The City's recent loan agreement to keep the Zoo afloat, that anyone would support an endeavor as huge as acquiring Pandas.  Hosting Pandas carries a massive financial burden, and will cause chaos in many ways, including displacing Our Lions from their home, making their continued residency here uncertain, disrupting the landscape of the Zoo, side-lining the Needs of current residents, improvements, and other acquisitions that will make Our Zoo whole again.  Our Zoo Needs a lot of fixing, and a lot of fundraising for many things, before even considering Pandas.  And certainly before altering Our Historic Lion House and jeopardizing the security of Our Legacy Lions at Our Zoo.

Each person mentioned, the Business Owner, the Airport Commissioner, The Mayor, the Supervisor, in addition to the RecPark Commissioners, and Zoological Society Board, none of these entities care about anything in that last paragraph.  

I've written handfuls of posts about the Panda Plan in the last two years.  I've sent many of them to The Mayor, Supervisors, and RecPark Commissioners (as I will this one).  These people know.  The Zoological Society Board knows. Members of Animal Care Staff have expressed to the Board their opposition to bringing Pandas here.   Unfortunately, the Want by people who don't even come to the Zoo, and who really have no idea the chaos acquiring Pandas, and using the Lion House will cause, is stronger than the Needs Our Zoo is currently desperate for.  These entities believe Pandas will be such a huge draw that they will Save Our Zoo (financially).  I don't see it.  I hope I'm wrong, but I'm not alone in this thought.   

With the Zoo's new CEO/Director reaching out Guardian Members for Panda donations, there is seemingly no Donor support from outside Zoo circles.  I don't see where enough funds will be raised to cover building a new enclosure for Our Lions, renovations to Lion House for Pandas, rumored Panda specific Vets and Keeper Staff, flying in bamboo, all on top of the $2 Million a year rental fee.

I noted previously that asking for Panda funds from Zoo Members, in my opinion feels like funds being taken away from the General Fund, that would benefit current Animal Needs, and other expenses.   

When former Mayor London Breed sought approval from Supervisors to fundraise for Pandas, Mayoral Chief of Staff Sean Elsbernd was quoted, "We want to make sure that not a single dollar of general fund go into this proposal,” said  “And that’s why we come to you to ensure that only philanthropy will go to support the panda exhibit and all the costs associated with it at the zoo.”

Two Supervisors, one being the current seated Connie Chan, wanted to "explore whether the money raised can also go towards deferred maintenance at the zoo."

That all changed when Breed couldn't raise any funds, and former Zoo CEO/Director Tanya Peterson said she would be raising funds for Pandas.  As this effort was not City connected, there were no stipulations as to how the Zoological Society could spend the funds raised.  That meant, no funds were guaranteed for any current Animal Needs, or "deferred maintenance".

I have noted in at least two posts the statement published in the Chronicle by Rebecca Snyder, Chair of the Giant Panda Conservation Foundation.  Snyder is quoted, "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers permits to zoos,... does not allow them to keep any profit from pandas. Instead, it expects extra money to go to back to panda conservation in China." 

I have tried many times to confirm this, emailing Snyder and the USFW, and asking specifically whether Zoos benefit from additional revenue brought in by Pandas.  I have gotten no response, which I consider suspicious. 

Has any one of the above entities bothered to vet this statement for accuracy?  Seems like a pretty important factor, considering everyone's counting on an "economic growth" factor as the main reasoning for acquiring Pandas.  

Related Post: Panda notes in this one in my opinion are Necessary Reading

*Unaware Mayor & Officials Still Pushing For Pandas - Unpacking Director's Resignation Media Attention Pt Three

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/08/unaware-mayor-officials-still-pushing.html

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas , #Bison

All Entities Taking Responsibility, Revisiting Restructuring & Redefining Management

I spent several hours this morning combining what turned out to be forty-two notepad documents of drafts and thoughts, into one place.  Don't let that be confused with actually reading any those documents.  So, with the day now half over, I can't handle that overwhelm, and want to just move on.  

Yesterday, I couldn't decide where to go next, so I went nowhere.  Unpacking my reaction to the Loan news and my comments (not bad, just honest) about so much of it, is too much for now.  Not wanting to let time go without alleviating some thought weight, I decided to follow-up on two things from my last post.

I wrote about "irritations" about Panda mentions from Mayor Lurie and CEO Costello, and I ended the post with my opinion of what direction Our Zoo should take, which can also be noted as, what I'd like to see happen.  The later, that references Mountain Lions and Hippos, came from that "Part Two" post I keep referring to.  It's a long (in time and length) thought-out idea for the future of Animal enclosures at Our Zoo.  

The "irritations" are fueled by the continued obsession with acquiring Pandas, especially in the same time frame as talk about Our Zoo's desperate financial situation.  It's insanity.  But there's more.  While I'm not going to unpack the four News articles I read about the Loan, there are a few basic things I should note, because I don't want anyone to think I have a problem with the Loan.  I don't.  

I am thankful that CEO Costello went to the City and asked for this.  I'm thankful that Supervisor Melgar is supportive of saving Our Zoo and was proactive in taking action to make this happen.  I'm thankful Mayor Lurie was on board, despite the City's own financial woes.  

That all said, there is content in those articles that harken back to many long standing issues and other related factors.  

First of all, I'm sorry but this needs to be said,...

How dare anyone from The City even suggest looking at Closing Our Zoo, even be an option.  

I find it offensive, and apparently keeping it open is being presented as the lessor of the financial evils.

Considering City entities, specifically the Recreation and Park Dept (Manager and Commissioners), as well as the Zoological Society Board, and primarily the former CEO/Director Tanya Peterson, are all to blame for the state Our Zoo is currently in.  Each one of these entities were negligent in their responsibilities to Our Zoo, and each one turned a blind eye on Our Zoo, for at least the eighteen years I have been monitoring it.  They chose to ignore endless communication from myself and constant pleas from the staff, regarding the mass mismanagement by Peterson.  They chose to support their friendship with Peterson over what was right for Our Animals, the living Beings that depended on Our Zoo being stable.  Nothing proves this more than both the Board and Park Dept failing to remove Peterson, even after all the shit that hit the proverbial fan.

Make no mistake, Our Zoo is in this position now because of Tanya Peterson and by proxy the Board and Park Dept negligence.  This is on The City.  It was long-standing before Mayor Lurie took office, but thankfully he was there when the time came, and had the balls to force Peterson out.

So, money.  The Loan is obviously much needed, it will need to be paid back.  Much more is needed to fix Our Zoo.  In my opinion, every Board Member who supported Tanya Peterson, and her lack of fundraising, should pony-up some big bucks.  The Board is, or was, made-up of some of the City's wealthiest, they were tasked with making sure Our Zoo was managed properly and failed.  Additionally, someone should look into suing Peterson for the damages she did to Our Zoo.  

The last thing I'll mention in this post is about what I have referred to as, The Pyramid of Power.  One of the posts I've had in draft since Peterson left eight months ago is titled, "Is Hiring A New CEO Is Enough For Fundamental Change?  The Mayor Must Think So."  Apparently I was right, as not until just over a week ago, did Mayor Lurie ever mention Our Zoo again, and when he did it was about Pandas!

The Recreation and Park Department may have a new Manager, but will that change anything in the Park Commission's interpretation of it's role in regard to Our Zoo?

Likewise, the Zoological Society named a new Board Chairperson.  Has that done anything to change how the Board views their role as the highest managing entity?  

The answer to both those questions is seemingly No.  

In October 2014, I wrote two blog posts.  Part one, mostly about the need to get rid of Tanya Peterson.  The second detailing my thoughts on the need for Restructuring Management, and Redefining Management Entity Roles, to create a better checks and balances, and most importantly creating an unbiased Zoo Board, by establishing a Co-Op Management Team. This was sent to Mayor Lurie.  Maybe he should have taken a look at it.  It's not too late.  If he cares about Our Zoo's success, he needs to again assert authority and urge for change in the overall way the Zoo is managed.

My thoughts in that post are obviously not a stringent plan, there are even things I'd tweak a bit, but it's a guideline that I believe has some decent ideas that could work for the betterment of Our Zoo.

Instead of The City batting about notions that Closing Our Zoo could ever even be looked at as an option, maybe the scenario to look at is as I proposed, that the Zoo could benefit to run as a Cooperative Management, between the Employees and the Society.  The Employees basically managing the the Zoo and the current Society (Board) Members remaining a fundraising entity.  This would create an equal partnership in a newly defined Zoological Society Board.

My Restructuring idea's goal is better oversight, to prevent tasked entities from being negligent in their duties.  It suggests a more balanced management group, to prevent being steamrolled by nonStaff Board Members with no awareness as to what is going on, on the grounds.

My Redefining idea's goal is to provide entities with a definite description of their duty, to prevent authority figures from claiming no authority, if an issue arises.  This happened before and can not happen again.

I've linked the referenced post at the bottom.  Here's a synopsis of bullet points taken from that post...

There are four things that need to happen.

1) Hiring a New Director ✔

2) Restructuring of The Zoological Society Partnership

3) Redefining the Rec and Park's role

4) Restructuring and Redefining the role and responsibility of the Joint Zoo Committee

In detail:  (full description for each point in post)

1) Hiring a new Director.  

2) Restructuring of The Zoological Society Partnership

2A) Society Managing entity

2B) Society Fundraising entity

2C) Creation of New Board

3) Redefining the Rec and Park's role

4) Restructuring and Redefining the role and responsibility of the Joint Zoo Committee

This went longer than planned, and my mind probably borrowed from other posts in draft.  Hopefully so, less for me to document in additional posts, and less Zoo thoughts in my mind.

I still want to get to the future Animal enclosures notation I mentioned at the top.  Obviously now left for a separate post. So, will take a break here and see if I got it in me for tonight.  

Referenced Post:

*The Change That's Needed To Save Our Zoo - Part Two - Restructuring Management

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-change-thats-needed-to-save-our-zoo_19.html

Previous Post:

* A Week Of Zoo News - Ocelot Move, Duiker Arrival, And Two Panda Plan Irritations

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/04/a-week-of-zoo-news-ocelot-move-duiker.html

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas , #Bison

A Week Of Zoo News - Ocelot Move, Duiker Arrival, And Two Panda Plan Irritations

Going into last weekend my blog goal was to try and condense posts in draft to figure the quickest way forward and get a post done, which included reiterating the negligence to Our Zoo by City "figurines" (as I now call them), and the Zoological Society, as well the need for mass management Restructuring and Redefining.  I had semi-planned a couple ways to go, and then two things happened, one Friday, then Saturday.  When I get behind and try to catch-up, it never fails, another something is added to the heap.  Procrastination set-in, as I glanced at all my notes, and I abandoned it all.

I finally started one late Sunday night.  I fell asleep within minutes.  It was meant to be timely, regarding an ABC News piece quote from Mayor Lurie and an Anonymous comment to that last post that came in.  I had a reaction to both, so for the sake of keeping current, I still want to put that one ahead of this weeks News stories about the City's Loan to the Zoo.  With a couple additions to start, here we go...

My Photos of Tica

First, I want to make a mention to our Zoo going public.  Female Ocelot Tica (Zoo name Pepita), has been removed from her home on the North Side of the Lion House.  

Par for the course, the Zoo did not give what little endeared community they have a heads-up, but also for the most part typical, there is no sign up at her home with any information.  I walked up to see her on Wednesday and all signage pertaining to her is gone.  My heart dropped and I thought the worst.   Thankfully my sadness was short lived, as I was quickly able to breathe easy when I found out she had been moved to the enclosures at the off-exhibit FCC.  

This shouldn't happen.  The public should be alerted to departures from sight prior to it happening, and with signage explanation, at an empty enclosure.

I can not say for sure why she was taken off exhibit, but there had recently been signage about health monitoring, as well, at some point she and possibly the Snow Leopards will have to be off exhibit if/when renovations for Pandas absurdly take over the Lion House.  I did hear work noise coming from inside, and with every recent news item mentioning Pandas, who knows if there's a connection.

If she can be on exhibit, maybe she can be moved to the Puente enclosure that is vacant since Claudia's transfer.  She fits geographically, and with some privacy fencing and foliage coverage, that might be a nice space for her.

 

Pepita (Safari West Facebook)

The Zoo recently acquired a juvenile Blue Duiker!  I heard she was arriving this week, but even though I remembered to stop by the African Aviary during my Wednesday walk, my old brain forgot and I didn't realize it until I was walking to my car.  Will look for her first thing Monday!

The above is a video screencap of Pepita at a couple months old.  I mention her name, as since the Zoo renamed Tica with Pepita, I assume this little girl will then have her name changed.  Unless,...

I have heard recently that the Zoo may be ceasing renaming Animals.  If this is true, Hallelujah!   Those who know me, know the renaming thing has been a major upset for me for sixteen years.  I have been vocal about this endlessly in this blog and in person.  After the former Director Tanya Peterson left, I had planned to crusade for any Animal that had their identity stolen by Peterson to have their name reinstated.  

While I know that it's tricky for that to happen for those whose rename had money attached to it, there are many who had their name changed with no money attached.  I was making a list of all renames and the money factor, but couldn't confirm some.  My initial focus was on Our Chimpanzees and Orangutans.  The name change of any Animal to me is disrespectful, and hurts my soul.  Renaming Great Apes seems even more particularly disturbing.  With news Our Chimpanzees were leaving, the only happy take-away was that they would hopefully be given their real names back at their new home. 

As for Great Apes, that leaves Our Orangutans, Amoi and Ollie.  Amoi was renamed Judy.  By all accounts there was no money specifically attached to her name.  This was allegedly a Tanya Peterson nod to a donor of the Chimpanzee Dayroom.  Stealing identities should not be done at all, and definitely not be done so casually.  I could not confirm if money was attached to Ollie's rename of Berani.

If ceasing to rename Animals, there are plenty who need to be on a retroactive list, starting with Amoi.  She needs her name back.  And if no money attached to Ollie, he needs his back too.

I realize that auctioning names = raising funds, but other than newborns, Our Zoo can do better than disrespecting Animals that already have names.  Donors can be given a plaque for their support.

The Mayor - Panda Irritation #1

Last Friday, ABC news did a piece on Mayor Lurie's first international trip.  Below is the blurb from that article.

"...with Lurie's trip to Asia in just a few weeks' time, ABC7 Eyewitness News wanted to know if the pandas are still going to be coming.

We caught up with the mayor outside the Asian Art Museum on Thursday.

"We are in dialogue about it. We are making sure our zoo is ready to host those pandas. So we'll have more conversations about that," Lurie said."

With all the financial woe talk associated with Our Zoo, it pisses me off that any Official, but particularly the Mayor, is supporting Our Zoo acquiring Pandas.  I applaud him for being instrumental in ridding Our Zoo of Tanya Peterson, but have been disappointed that he has been silent about the Zoo the six months since.  More on that in a separate post.

CEO Comment - Panda Irritation #2

An Anonymous "comment" came through email for my last blog post.  It was a copy of a full letter apparently sent from CEO Cassandra Costello to Guardian Level Zoo Members.  It didn't have a "personal" notation on it, so I assumed it was not an FYI but indeed to be published as a comment.  It appears at the end of that March 30th post.

Costello writes,...

"One exciting opportunity ahead is our campaign to bring Giants pandas back here for the first time in over 40 years. This effort represents an extraordinary chance to elevate the Zoo’s global conservation role and create an experience that would thrill and inspire millions of visitors each year. Achieving this vision will require significant philanthropic support for specialized habitat development, animal care and international conservation partnerships. In the months ahead, we will be sharing more about how our community can help make this ambitious and meaningful project possible."

"Guardian Members are among our most dedicated champions. Your generosity provides critical support for animal care, conservation programs, educational experiences for children and families, and ongoing improvements that make the Zoo a vibrant destination for our community and beyond. Your partnership makes this work possible and I am grateful for your support."

My reaction is not meant to criticize Costello, as I do realize the position she has been put in taking on leadership of our troubled Zoo, and I am giving her a chance to save it, but from my perspective after following eighteen years of mismanagement and this Panda fantasy, I certainly have opinions.  

I find this irritating because dipping into the Membership community to fund this irresponsible want, is seemingly opposite of where we were all originally told funding for Pandas would come from.  It was mentioned many times that funding would come from outside the Zoo entities, which included members of the Chinese Community who supported the acquisition.  Asking for funding from within the Zoo Community at this time, for something not related to Our Zoo's current Animal and property needs, which also includes acquisitions to fill empty enclosures, is in my opinion not right.  To me, it takes away from the Needs that should be priority to fixing and rebuilding Our Zoo.  Things that should be topping the to-do list, but that are seemingly not on the agenda, because the Panda Want is at the front of the line.

Who's going to fund the Triple Grotto reinvention?   This year, when the Orangutans move out and into what will be the former Chimpanzee area, a fence will go up around it, apparently indefinitely.  Triple Grotto is a focal point in the Zoo, and according to the Zoo, in the most trafficked area.   And there is no plan for what's going to happen there.  The plan to rebuild on that site and bring back Chimpanzees should be being talked about now.

Additionally, I ended my last post with this...

Soon after, another Mountain Lion Cub was rescued, and at three weeks old, is currently being raised at Oakland Zoo, along with another Cub.

It's unconscionable that Our City and Our Zoo  would continue to chase Pandas instead of directing attention to and trying to raise funds for better options for Our Zoo, which in my opinion, includes creating a home for Mountain Lions.  This would be a rescue effort Need that's in our own backyard.  It is also a conservation effort since this year Mountain Lions in parts of California were given Threatened status due to habitat loss.  It is supporting locally, not supporting the questionable conservation effort of Pandas to the tune of millions of dollars each year.

Looking forward to a future that can afford new builds, I am sure I'm not the only one who would like to see the return of Nile Hippos to Our Zoo.  Our previous Nile Hippo Tucker's son born at Cincinnati Zoo could one day need a new home, and I'd like to see that be here if possible.  Given the option, I would bet our Zoo going public would rather invest in Hippos, than Pandas.

That all said, I am once again going to note, I have nothing against Pandas.  I would love to see Our Zoo welcome Pandas, but not at this time or anytime in the near future.  There is so much to fix, rebuild, and regain at Our Zoo.  There is a documented financial deficit.  There is the Loan that will have to be repaid.  I'm sorry but I just don't believe acquiring Panda's is a smart move.  I hope I'm wrong and Panda's will be the Zoo's saviour, because if they are not, I sadly don't see Our Zoo around to see it's 100th Anniversary in 2029.

Previous Post:

*Future Attendance/Revenue Driven Efforts From CEO, Conservation Presentation, & More

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/03/future-attendancerevenue-driven-efforts.html

Related Post:

*What I Think Our Zoo Needs - Part One

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/02/what-i-think-our-zoo-needs-part-one.html

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas , #Bison

Future Attendance/Revenue Driven Efforts From CEO, Conservation Presentation, & More

After the unfortunate trio of posts from last weekend, I expected the next post to be that Part Two of "What I Think Our Zoo Needs" from over a month ago.  While I do think it's worthy and a valid offering, I don't think it's something that is necessary to put forth at this point.  It would requires organizing text and photos, which I think is not going to be time well spent right now, since the Zoo hasn't even considered simple ideas in regards to fixing that dang perimeter fence.  How could any faith be imagined that any ideas for Animals would be taken into consideration? 

My thoughts about what Our Zoo Needs, range from doable to fantasy.  All requiring a range of funds, some that may be available, some that would require fundraising.  As I've taken in all that's currently going on at the Zoo, I do not see any large scale fundraising plans.  Something that in my opinion is needed to really start fixing Our Zoo.  I have seen efforts (that I'll mention), that are encouraging, but I'm talking large scale, and the rebuild on the Triple Grotto site is at the forefront on my mind.  What I have seen that is not encouraging, is the continued obsession with Pandas, and questionable hiring of another "manager type", when in my opinion there is a Need for more Keepers.  Keepers often seem overwhelmed, and there is clearly a need for early morning help, as often Animals are not on exhibit at opening.  I personally don't have an issue with that, because I'm there at least once a week, but that is something that will leave an impression on those who aren't.  Other recent job listings which seemed redundant were for two Fundraising positions.  These are no longer listed, so I have no idea if they've been filled or pulled.  While I obviously think there is a huge need for fundraising, at this point adding another six figure salary to the payroll doesn't seem logical.  There has to be some minds already there who can come up with some decent ideas.

In hindsight, I am not a fan of the last three posts.  I find them to have been a waste of my time and energy.  I apologize if you, the reader, felt the same way.  There were some notable points made, but on the whole, without re-reading, my feeling is most was rambling about un-noteworthy stuff, prompted by someone trying to create scandal.  Hopefully this post will more interesting.

Before writing last weekends posts, I viewed the video of the RecPark Full Commission Meeting from that Thursday (March 19), hoping for some insight into the sensational words of the Anti-Zoo Activists post.  There were none, but as mentioned above, there were some encouraging efforts in Zoo CEO Cassandra Costello's  presentation.  That will be the focus of this post. 

It bears repeating, as I have done so in other posts, that it would be welcomed by many if the Joint Zoo Committee Meetings were video taped as well.  When the Meetings moved from the Zoo to City Hall (and now possibly another location), it became a challenge for many of those interested to attend.  As well, the time was changed to a time that made Keepers unable attend.  Note that change came when Keepers were discouraged from attending.  The goings on at this Meeting should be available to all members of the public in a virtual viewing archive.  The Minutes taken have never been complete, and therefore not transparent to all interested, and in my opinion, have not satisfied the **City Sunshine Ordinance.  If teenagers can film stuff for tiktok, Zoo IT should be able to figure out how to film a half hour meeting, and make it available on the Zoo website.

In recent times I haven't kept up with the Full Commission or Joint Zoo Meeting documentation.  So, in addition to the March meeting, I have also viewed the video from the previous meeting in February.  There was an excellent presentation by Rochelle Stiles, Director of Field Conservation, on the Legacy of the Zoo's Conservation efforts. ... Viewable at the link below.  Choose Item 6 SFZoo.  It starts after the CEO's presentation.

https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/player/clip/51836?view_id=91&redirect=true

CEO Costello's March 19 presentation included slides of recent events, and upcoming efforts she referred to as attendance and revenue driven.  She also talked about "Fun" events with the Animals, noted the reinstatement of the EBT Program (which happened because I emailed her my blog post about it), and highlighted some aspects of the Zoo App.  Adding that they "need more creative promotions and proposals".  Hence, I'll add in some of my ideas.

The first slide-cap that I'm sharing shows a few of the "Fun" Events.  Those who read my words regularly, know that I have expressed for a very long time, the Zoo's missed opportunities in not promoting the special Enrichment Toy fun for Birthdays, Awareness Days, and other Celebrations.  People like to see the Animals not only up, but having fun. This is a huge opportunity to build a Community for Our Zoo, something we don't have.  These fun events endear people to Our Animals, and endearing them creates care.  We need people to care, and when they care, they want to help.  Moving forward, to fix Our Zoo, we need all the help we can get.   

The Zoo needs to include people by letting them in on the fun.  I understand there are times, when Birthdays for example are subject to flexible times, and even days, but even posting to social media the day before, and noting time to be announced gives someone the opportunity to visit.   One of my ideas from a few years ago regarding time alerts, was to have people be able to receive push alerts via text.  Now that they have an app there might be a way to use that for real time notice.   During the last couple weeks I heard a PA announcement for the Wildlife Theater, and a Staff Radio announcement for the Bear Day activities. Maybe make use of those ways and use the Interpretative Guides to let visitors on grounds know.  There are ways both with advanced notice and same day alerting.  When they want media attention, media is given notice.  No reason they can't figure something out for visitors.  People are not happy with learning about secret parties after the event.  

The next graphic is from the Zoo App.  It shows the most visited locations in the Zoo.  I'm including this because, again for regular blog readers, you know I have been recently talking about the Triple Grotto site.  I am concerned that once the Chimpanzees are all transferred out, and the Orangutans move into the Chimp quarters, Triple Grotto (current Orangutan home) will sit there vacant with a fence around it for years.  I recently noted that there is seemingly no plan for fundraising for the rebuild on that site.  In my opinion that should be a top priority, as it is a main focal point in the Zoo, and we need to bring Chimpanzees back to Our Zoo as soon as possible.  You can see in this graphic, the most visited area of the Zoo is, the Lemur Cafe/Flamingos.   Hello, right where Triple Grotto is.  This is what I've been saying.  This site can not be left in ruin with a fence around it.  There needs to be a plan ready to execute as soon as it's vacated.  Unfortunately, the only big plan seems to be the fantasy chase for Pandas.

The next three graphics show a plan for an Art Installation at the corner of the overflow lot at Sloat and Skyline.  It's no secret I'm not a fan of continued spending on Art Installations (or Gardens), when there are other Needs, especially Animal related.  That said, this is being touted as a potential attendance driver, so we'll see.  At least it's a thought out plan that seemingly is part of an overall City-wide showcase. Considering that, I hope there is some City funding that will be available for this.   I was surprised by this location because of the City's alleged plan to meter the lot, which led me to assume the Zoo had no claim to the lot.  I had long thought the Zoo should use the lot, which is usually vacant, for Food Trucks, Farmer's Market, something they could generate a commission from.

I included the photo of the Zoo sign that is on the Great Highway Extension, because I had a thought last week about the relocation of it.  With the southbound extension closed and cluttered, and the northbound side slated to close at some point as well, the Zoo should be preparing for that.  I noted it in a post during the winter rains, when I once again thought about the foot of standing water at the lot exit onto the northbound extension.  Many years ago, I had parked in the lot, not knowing that when I left I'd have to drive through a foot of water.   That's not good for car engines.    That, and considering the eventual road closure, the Zoo should permanently use the Sloat lot entrance as an exit as well.   This is something I noted long ago, but never thought about what would happen to the sign once the road closed.  Not until I started writing this post.  Reviewing the graphics, maybe a good place for it would be at this corner, along with whatever statue(s) they commission for the site.  

The last notation in reference to this is a quote.  CEO Costello said this corner was "in desperate need of beautification".   So is the ancient crumbling perimeter fence that runs from the old entrance down close to the current entrance.  At some point in the near future, that fence needs to come down.

Below is the new adverts. The only notation I have about this is in regard to the Pole Banners.  Something I've said before, there should be pole banners for the Zoo in the Park.  Why has there never been any?  Again, fail on the RecPark for their continued ignore that the Zoo is in their Department!!   There should be at least a couple on the JFK Promenade and definitely at Bison.

The next three graphics are from a Summer Exhibition.  I love Dinosaurs, and know they are a popular draw, so I get this, though we have a few Dino's there already.   I'm assuming this will be more elaborate than just the statues (30 were mentioned), as it was noted that there would be a separate admission for this.   I did like the plan to have one peeking over the Sloat fence.   That said, even though probably a different location along Sloat, again I gotta say, that perimeter fence has got to come down.  It looks like it's been standing there since the Dinosaur age.

Last night I watched the trailer for the new JJ Abraham's movie opening in August, "The End Of Oak Street".  Dinosaur content sneak peek.  Maybe there's a tie-in promotion with that.  

As I watched this presentation, I thought about my idea from over a decade ago.  Like many other City Natives and long-timers, I love the Doggie Diner heads.   A City icon, with one of the original Dogs that was on the Diner's Sloat location, right outside the Zoo.  I have long thought it would be wonderful for the Zoo to give the three other remaining heads a permanent home.  I envisioned them displayed on the hill area of the old entrance, so they can be viewed but not accessible.  That area only if it's secure from Sloat, otherwise below more inside gates but within that old entrance area.   

Lastly, this graphic was shown, of our hospital team assessing the most recent Mountain Lion roaming our streets.  I share this because it relates to that Part Two post, as I have a Mountain Lion enclosure on my list of what I think the Zoo should do.  I have written about this before, as there are too many non-releasable Cubs that have been rehabbed locally by Oakland Zoo, and then sent to other Zoo's for permanent homes.  My fear is one day in the near future, there won't be any facilities left with space to offer homes to these orphans. I think there's a great need for a Native Wildlife Sanctuary in California to house primarily (because of their size) Mountain Lion orphans, and other rescued native species that are non-releasable.  That said, I would like to see Our Zoo one day be in the position to have an enclosure available for a Mountain Lion in need.  Maybe that's something the State can help fund. Thankfully, this Lion was able to be immediately returned to the wild after assessment.

Related Post:

*What I Think Our Zoo Needs - Part One

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/02/what-i-think-our-zoo-needs-part-one.html

**The San Francisco Sunshine Ordinance (1999) is a local law ensuring public access to city government meetings, records, and operations. It mandates that policy decisions are made openly and requires city boards, commissions, and agencies to operate transparently, with enforcement by the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas , #Bison

Insight Regarding The Zoo Staff Firings

I've gained some insight since my last post.  In my opinion, the information that's been made public by the Zoo has been cryptic.  

One blog reader said, "It's confusing".  

The only reason I'm posting about this again, is because, while cryptic, I thought I understood what the reasoning, and/or goal was in this action.  I no longer think that.  From the little that was offered publicly from the Zoo, I assumed because the financial issues of the Zoo were brought into the story, though not explicitly by the Zoo, that the goal was to free up funds, by reducing the payroll.  While that was never outright put forth by the Zoo, it seemed the likely goal.  It now seems like saving on payroll, most likely is not what this was about.

So, while I think I have the gist of it now, who knows.  The statements made by the Zoo are still curious.   I based my understanding of it on the Chronicle reporting from a leaked internal staff email, "the elimination of "a small number of positions" due to a “structural reorganization”.  In my opinion these words sound like a consolidation was happening.  Instead, it seems the three Staffers that were let go (all in Animal Care), could possibly have been because the Zoo is now looking to hire a Chief Animal Officer.  This job was added to the Job Openings on the Zoo website Friday.

I have never heard of this title, but upon a search,  I saw it is being used in other Zoos.   Here is a screencap from the description.   A more extensive description on Zoo site.

Upon learning this, I felt because I built a post around a whole different theory, I should also share this.  While I still believe the Zoo has unnecessary positions, and full-time staffers, that could be eliminated or reduced, in which money could be saved by further reducing for the sake of actually freeing funds, it does not appear they think so.  At least not in this instance.

Additionally, I think the wording of the Zoo's response to this action being leaked could have been more explanatory.  It would have made it seem less scandalous.

I will note that if the Activist had not published his post, most likely none of this would have been made public.  There has been firings before and they have not been public.  I only reacted to it here, as it, together with the Panda Plan mention seemed like it was going to snowball a bit in the media.  

That all said, I don't know what the criteria was in choosing who was let go, I heard conflicting information, but one of them has needed to go for over a year and a half.  This person disrespected one of our beloved senior Animals after they passed away.  Someone who does that, shouldn't have been allowed to continue working in an Animal Care Facility. Unfortunately at the time we also had a Director who didn't respect Our Animals.  Finally, Karma has been served to them both.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas , #Bison

Staff Cuts - A Necessary Action & CEO's Continued Evasiveness About Pandas

First, moving forward when referring to the Zoo's leadership, I am only going to use CEO as Cassandra Costello's title.  In my last post, which was probably the first one I've referenced her since her appointment, I used CEO/Director.  I exclusively referred to the former Director as such, but now that title is seemingly less used.

After publishing yesterday's post, my after nap goal was to react to the Chronicle article I mentioned.  As well, I wanted to try and put a finish on several posts in draft, since I made so many references to "more on that...".

Well, I woke to more online efforts relating to the news of the day, and honestly, the craziness of it all stopped me from moving forward as planned.  

There are now four total regarding the Zoo "news" over the last thirty-six hrs.  Yet, there is oddness in each one.  An oddness that is hard to even put into words, I can't even figure if it's worth trying.  I seriously had a fuck it moment and thought to abandon not just tackling the current info spew, but backburner my drafts as well, and just wait til the Audit is released, because what that reveals about the Panda Plan, is really a game changer for me.  If the Panda Plan is not squashed by the Audit results, I have to seriously rethink my interest in the Zoo, outside of the joy I get from visiting the Animals.  Can I really care about the Zoo and it's future, if something I am completely against goes through?

The two current hot topics concern the status of the Panda Plan, and the Firing of multiple Staffers.  This was all kicked-off by The Anti-Zoo Activist's sensational post to his site, claiming the "Panda Deal Dead,... Animal Care Staff Fired and Escorted Off Premises."  That was followed by the Chronicle reporting from a leaked internal staff email, the elimination of "a small number of positions" due to a “structural reorganization”.  Also noting, individuals being let go would be notified within a week of that email.  A far different tone than the sensational offering before it.  These were then followed by Anti-Zoo group In Defense of Animals issuing a press release, welcoming "Panda" cancellation, and once again pushing for the EcoPark.  Then came an article from Axios reporting a statement from CEO Costello, that the Panda Plan is still on track, and again declining to provide further details.

The lack of transparency regarding the Panda Plan, put me off again.  This is at minimum, the third time, Costello has made evasive statements regarding Pandas, which are identified in my draft posts.  Since I'm so against this as something that will "better" Our Zoo, the mention of Pandas still in play, literally stops me in my tracks, as far as being invested in Our Zoo thriving long-term.  I don't say this as a slight to Costello, because it's not just her decision, and who knows what she actually thinks about Pandas, she is the face of the Want of the Zoological Society Board, as well with the support of Mayor Lurie, and Supervisor Melgar, who have been vocal about their Panda Want.  

My opinion on the Panda Plan is no secret.  I've written more posts than I can remember on why Our Zoo should not acquire Pandas, at least for the foreseeable future.

When I hear the Panda Plan is still in motion, I feel like nothing has changed.  Nothing has been learned over the last two years.  In October 2024 I wrote a two-part post about Changes Needed To Save Our Zoo.  While not a steadfast guideline I expected would be followed, my thoughts remain valid, yet were obviously ignored.  More on that in another post.  I only bring it up here as the status of the Panda Plan directly lends to the lack of change at the core of management.  I don't just mean at CEO level,  I mean at Board level, I mean at City level.  The Zoological Society Board is still supporting the acquisition of Pandas.  The reality is, the mentality has not changed.  And I fear it will again be the downfall of Our Zoo.  Zoo Officials, even some City Officials, are not listening.  They are not listening to their own financial situation screaming in desperation.  They are not listening to the greater public, most importantly, our Zoo-going public, who seemingly wants Our Zoo to turn itself around for the Animals currently living there.  They are certainly not listening to their own Animal Care Staff who do not think we should have Pandas, and have expressed that as far-up as the Society Board.

So, that brings us to yesterday, when all four online efforts, offered opposing information.  The Anti-Zoo efforts maintain their information that the Panda Plan is not moving forward, while the other two, report it is.  Axios specifically reporting they obtained word from the Zoo that the Panda Plan is "still on track", and that CEO Cassandra Costello declined to provide an updated timeline on when the Pandas will arrive.

What are we as members of the public supposed to believe?  As much as I dislike the Anti-Zoo efforts and sensational presentation, can their position that Pandas are now a no-go, be completely dismissed?  And if this proves true, which I hope it does, where does that leave the Zoo regarding public transparency?  Because, "still on track", would then be a flat out lie.  It made me wonder, if this is unfortunately somehow accurate, if the Zoo wants to keep Pandas in the news, because it creates some kind of hope for future grandeur?   

Regarding my issue with Costello continuously being closed lip on the Panda Plan, I just find it suspicious.  Again, my words are in no way a slight to how she's handling the helm, or my reserve of optimism for Our Zoo under her lead, but come on, it's getting weird.   

I've been told the Panda Plan won't happen for many reasons, which I lean towards agreeing on.  But, the Zoo is or was, still chasing the Want, and is maybe trying to overcome the obstacles?  So, with literally nothing to share, hence the continued decline to share details, is what?, still keeping the Panda Plan alive for public optics?  

Ok, let's get to wrapping this up.  Staff Firings.  Again, he said, she said.  The Anti-Zoo guy states some have already happened, the Chronicle reports Staff involved will be notified within a week of announcement, a deadline that may have already passed.  That all said, the Chronicle report was completely based on a leaked internal Staff email that stated, “structural reorganization” that will include the cutting of a “small number of positions."

My following opinions, may be unpopular with some, but shouldn't be a surprise as I've been vocal both in writing and in person with Staff I talk to.  I have long thought there were too many non- Animal Care Staff positions (some seemingly made-up), and too many non- Animal Care Staffers who seemingly had a lot of free time to just wander the grounds.  In my opinion, too many people pulling full-time paychecks, further adding to my frustration about the alleged lack of funds for Animal Needs.

Coming from management myself, I understand and even expressed the need many times over the years for the Zoo to tighten the purse strings in this way.  It is a necessity, and I'm glad it's finally been identified.  I have to applaud Costello, as it takes guts to move forward with something as sensitive as the loss of a job.  Unless someone's a jerk and it's warranted!  

While I do not know who those that were let go are, I have observed a lot, and am actually looking forward to seeing what positions the restructure involved, as well, who was let go.  I hope appropriate choices were made.  

Unfortunately an action like this, while necessary regardless of finances, is seemingly based on the current financial deficit, which has to have been in part contributed to by blind spending on Pandas.  I recently noted in a post that I had personally seen a group of contractor types at the Zoo in relation to Pandas, and they weren't there for free.  There has allegedly been a steady stream of such, and since the Audit could change the future of the Panda Plan, in my opinion the Zoo should not have been allowed to keep spending for something that may not happen.  So, it does seem a bit unfair that some will loose their jobs possibly in relation to a factor of mismanagement.  In my opinion, there's a lot of blame on former Director Tanya Peterson, the Zoological Society Board, and the Rec/Park Dept for allowing the Zoo to get to this point, by supporting Peterson for eighteen years.  They should all be chipping in to dissolve this situation.   

Previous Post:

*Blog And Visit Updates, Panda Yay or Nay, & Staff Firing Truths

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/03/blog-visit-updates-panda-yay-or-nay.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas , #Bison

Blog And Visit Updates, Panda Yay or Nay, & Staff Firing Truths

Apologies again for this not being that Part Two to my post What I Think Our Zoo Needs - Part One, dated February 22.  I had planned to work on that today, with hopes of publishing on Sunday, and if I didn't get to that, I had some thoughts after my Zoo walk this week that I was going to express in a short post.  That said, as it often happens, my plans get hijacked by something else, which is what happened late last night.

So, here we are, and I feel I must post on what's current, so that Part Two, is again probably not happening this weekend.  I may even pause that altogether til I catch-up with way past drafts, as well, with the Audit supposedly being made public in April, I should catch-up or abandon drafts.  I want to be timely with what the Audit will reveal, especially with any Panda related news.  So, regular followers of this blog, bear with me as I reorganize the post flow, and get to what I can, when I can.  That's my new motto in my life in general.  I'm working within my priorities, which are peace and personal productivity.  After what is now nearing five years of a rough time for me, I'm working to declutter as much as I can, in every aspect.  Without putting unproductive pressure on myself, I'm hoping my efforts these next few months are going to make a difference in alot of areas of life, as I do what I can, when I can.

Since last August with the hallelujah exit of the former CEO/Director (Dictator, Destroyer), and the appointment of an Interim CEO team, I have been keeping close watch for changes.  Changes that I have felt have not been what I had hoped, or expected to see, both in swiftness and abundance.  I expand on the aspects of this in one of my draft posts.  As the months ticked on, myself and staff I've talked to continue to be optimistic, with a some staffers offering that the Interim's hands might be tied, and/or they are just keeping the Zoo going, until a new Director was found.  Last month, the sixth month in the wait, Co-Interim Cassandra Costello, was appointed to the permanent position of CEO/Director.  Something else I still plan to cover in a post, if I can ever catch-up.  I also still haven't read any press coverage regarding that announcement.  Will do, when I get to that point.  

Over the month since Costello taking lead, I have been watching for changes and waiting for tangible progress of a bright future for Our Zoo.  In the Part One to that Part Two, I list a few of those things, as well as in other posts in draft.  

In a two-parter from last October titled, The Change That's Needed To Save Our Zoo, I not only focus on what I think should be done by any new CEO/Director, as one had not yet been named, but also by The Mayor, Rec/Park, and the Zoological Society Board.  As I wrote in those posts, a Restructuring and Redefining of the Management Entity duties and Pyramid of Power, is an important need to the future of Our Zoo.  Neither has been addressed since the former Director's exit.  

During each of my visits, I look for visual  changes.  I've noticed things here and there that make a difference, one of note from this week, was the Bird Deterrent Window Decals on some enclosure windows.   

Seen at Snow Leopards

With the heat, I limited my walk, and did not cover the entire grounds, so next week I hope to see they are on every necessary window.  I wrote about this dire issue several years ago, after seeing yet another Duck fly into the glass at Flamingos.  The following week, I arrived at Flamingos as decals were being put up, but only there.  Sadly, I saw a Sparrow dead from a window strike, on it's back, footies up, laying at the window at Gorillas a couple months ago.  A tragedy that may have been prevented if Decals had been on all windows.  The thought of how many Birds may have lost their lives because of the lack of attention to something so simple, is upsetting.  One life lost is too many.  Hoping to see they are now everywhere, and that the Zoo will continue it's attention to this.  Two larger scale things that I thought might indicate more to come, have been the work to bring life again to our beautiful Lion Fountain, and the attention that was given to the perimeter fence.  I was really encouraged by the later, as a definite show of care, but was let down by the end result.  More on that in another post.

Also new for this week, not from my visit, but from my thoughts.  I've mentioned many times the abundance of ideas I've had over the years, some I've shared that have gotten done, and some I've just written about, but many I haven't.  All for the betterment of Our Zoo.  I thought once there was a new Director, I would share all my ideas, even with an Interim, but unfortunately that time frame coincided with the Zoo still chasing Pandas.  It's no secret I have been against acquiring Pandas from the start.  So, I have went back and forth about sharing money making ideas, because I don't want my ideas to make money for Pandas, while current Animals have needs.  I just don't believe that funding for Pandas won't dip into the General Fund.  Maybe I shouldn't be thinking that way, but I'm being honest about how it feels to me.  If it's ever official that the Panda Plan is no longer, I'm all in for sharing ideas.  

So, enough of my preamble ramble.  Let's get to what prompted this post to come before that Part Two.  

I made the mistake once again of looking at email after dark.  It was nearing 10p and I just sat down with dinner, and email was open on my tablet.  Someone had sent me the latest from the Anti-Zoo Activist at SFZoo Watch...

"EXCLUSIVE: Panda Deal Dead, Fiscal Emergency Declared, Staff Out the Door ... SF Zoo Declares Fiscal Emergency to Staff. Animal Care Staff Fired and Escorted Off Premises. Layoffs coming."

Good grief, no peace while eating, because of course I couldn't wait a second longer to see what this was about, because this all sounded like it came out of nowhere.  I was there Tuesday, engaged with staff as I regularly do, and there was no inkling of any of this rumbling.  

After reading this, the Activist's take? on whatever information he is basing his post on, I have a hard time believing his interpretation.  My opinion of this information, including his spin on it, is that this guy may be sensationalizing, because it sounds really grim for Our Zoo's future, and I don't believe we are at that point.  At least not yet.  Until I can confirm any of it from my own sources, I don't believe this to be an actual portrayal, but a narrative he is trying to sell, to ignite doom and gloom, specifically to further his Close The Zoo agenda.

Since my Google News Alert for "San Francisco Zoo" hadn't yet generated for the night, I did a search, and nothing current came up.  That said, a bit ago I broke from this for a snack, and saw that page had regenerated to include a Chronicle article published seemingly sometime within the hour before midnight.  Titled, "S.F. Zoo to cut jobs amid financial pressures."  I just read it, and of course, as I predicted, it is not as The Activist has portrayed.  More in a following post.

Before starting this post I also checked yesterday's Joint Zoo Meeting Agenda notes (Minutes aren't published same day), and watched the Full Rec/Park Commission video.  While there was no mention of Pandas or Staff Firings, there was some encouraging offerings.  I'll put those in a separate post.

I'm ready to wrap this up. I've dozed off three times in the last half hour, four plus hrs into writing this.  I need a nap.  I noted in many instances that I would continue with more in future posts.  I do not mean that as teasers, I just know I have more words about those topics, either already in past drafts, or current thoughts circling in my mind.  This post is already long and the later would most likely make it too lengthy.  So, spacing it out is best.

Previous Post:

*Other Zoo's New Builds vs Our Zoo's Future Build Status

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/03/other-zoos-new-builds-vs-our-zoos.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas , #Bison